Hailing Sachin Tendulkar's contribution to cricket, BJP today said the nation will remain grateful to him and the living legend will remain a "Bharat Ratna" in the hearts of the people.

As Tendulkar announced his retirement from one-day format of the game, party spokesperson Prakash Javedkar said, "He is 'Bharat Ratna' in the hearts of the people whether government gives him the title or not."

As he is still playing test cricket, the nation hopes he will create more records, the spokesman said.

Sachin today retired from one-day internationals after a glorious career spanning 23 years during which he re-wrote record books with his phenomenal feats.

39-year-old Tendulkar conveyed his decision to the BCCI, which issued a statement on his behalf.

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